RCIA Wedding of the Year Party

Yesterday morning, we threw a wedding party for the couple that got married from our RCIA group; both were really surprised because we hadn’t told them that the reason for our potluck was their union.  I think in this case a picture is worth a thousand words.   

 We began with delicious food.

The yummy feast.

Then things got romantic with the bride and groom dancing their first dance to the rhythm of Marco Antonio Solis, "Dios Bendiga Nuestro Amor." 

 Then we had the cake cutting- I made the cake topper :)

 We gave the couple a moment for a wedding toast.

Then the Core Team presented them with a beautiful gift:  

a framed family photo signed by all their classmates and teachers. 

Sometimes being the right amount of cheesy is just what we all need.  The couple and their daughter (pictured above) were full of smiles, sharing in their happiness infected all of us with joy.  These moments of community and celebration give our RCIA program a real sense of what God's church is all about.  We take our faith and its teachings and put it into action in small ways.  We gave the couple a simple wedding party that am sure they will treasure for the rest of their lives, and perhaps when they think of God's providence they will not doubt God's generosity.

Seven Churches Visitation

On Holy Thursday, I ventured on my own, keeping Jesus’ company through the tradition of seven churches visitation.  Last year I invited the members of my RCIA team, this year I went alone and afterwards my teammates asked why I didn’t extend the invitation to them again.  It seems like they enjoyed the tradition too (smile).  For practically, I began at the parish that is most near my home because they also begin services earlier than surrounding parishes.  Since churches in Orange County are not as close together as they are in Rome (where this ancient, pious tradition began) one needs to factor in travel time so that the goal can be reached before Jesus is taken back to the tabernacle usually around midnight.  This tradition (credited to Saint Philip Neri) is a powerful way to spend time in adoration meditating on the sacrifice of love Jesus made for us and the salvific meaning as we await his rising on Easter.  This year I divided the Stations of the Cross so that at each location I would pray and mediate on two and by the end of my pilgrimage I felt so fortified and thankful for living post Jesus when His passion and resurrection give me such hope for what’s to come.  In my county, I usually get to visit Jesus and participate in worship with the Anglo, Hispanic and Asian communities; thus, my night is totally multicultural.  Each community adds a personal style of worship, like at our Lady of La Vang parish the Vietnamese community chants beautifully its prayers.  At other locations in Santa Ana I get to hear the comforting sounds of my native tongue and the altars of repose also stylistically reflect the various cultures.  Getting to witness the many cultures coming together (while keeping their authenticity) in celebrating the same Holy Thursday traditions gives the pilgrim a feeling of unity.  Whether English, Spanish or Vietnamese we are all connected through Jesus!  Every year following this tradition gives my Easter experience a deeper meaning because I connect with Jesus and my church family in such an extraordinary way. 

Last post, I shared how there’s different types of Catholics and what I wanted to communicate is that we are all in different stages in our spiritual journey.  For example, I never imagined that I would be traveling to keep Jesus’ company after Holy Thursday services. I never thought nor wanted to exceed the minimal requirements of my faith, but when love beacons one cannot be at peace unless one follows its’ call.  We have the great tale of “Jonah and the Whale” that teaches us that we can’t run from the plans of God.  As I become more immersed in my faith, as this craving for God increases my surrender to His holy will slowly improves.  I go from a girl who looked for ways of getting out of fasting to a person who understands the role of small sacrifices.  There’s different types of Catholics and that’s what makes Catholicism so special because it accepts everyone wherever we might be and encourages us to grow, but waits until we are ready to do so.  Jonah ran away and then needed to spend some time meditating in the belly of a whale until he was ready to answer God’s call.  His story is so relatable that’s why it’s garnered much popularity.

Traveling on Holy Thursday from parish to parish shows me how different our church family is - these differences is what makes Catholicism universal.  That our church takes such measures to preserve the identity of each community is such a great example for us to follow.  I’ve heard friends tell me not to go to a certain parish because they are too liberal or vice versa; but, to me the fact that we can have both extremes and the in-between is a testimony that God doesn’t have boundaries to speak to each of us personally.  That our spiritually has room for the very orthodox and the very charismatic is such a richness- because there’s room for everyone.  And we can all learn so much from one another.   

Easter Vigil Conversion

One of my favorite services of the year is the Easter Vigil.  It hasn’t always been so because I am learning that there’s different kinds of Catholics.  When I began my reversion to the Catholic Church I sought to give the least possible to my faith and still be “living” within its boundaries.  People who knew the liturgical Calendar and celebrated each festivity were Catholics that I certainly wasn’t aiming to become.  I just wanted to have my foot in the door enough so that one day I might see my brother in heaven again.  Often, I got invited to Easter Vigil, but the three hour length and it starting at eleven PM always motivated me to refuse.  During Lent, I overheard a group of young Catholic’s complaining about our diocese not getting a dispensation to eat meat on Saint Patrick’s Day (which landed on a Friday this year).  Most decided that since they were at an Irish restaurant they were going to eat meat.  They laughed made jokes about aiming at purgatory and had their bacon.  I belonged to that group once and was really comfortable encouraging myself and others to not be so rigid; thus, a three hour service on a Saturday night was something that I never saw myself attending.  Yet, faith is living and once it has been planted deep in your soul it refuses to remain stagnant.  Slowly year after year it grows and before I knew it I had become a Catholic conscious about the liturgical calendar, who attends Easter Vigil and who wants to do more in terms of my sanctification. 

The first Easter Vigil I attended was two years before I joined the RCIA ministry.  At a parish near my home the service usually begins at 7PM and the hour attracted me because I wouldn’t be forced to be out so late.  Since, I am a faithful Easter Vigil attendee.  I love starting outside with only light from the fire and walking into a dark parish that slowly gets lighted as the light from the paschal candle spreads.  Then going through the readings beginning in Genesis and witnessing God’s active plan throughout our salvific history.  The music that accompanies each psalm - then when the lights go on and the bells get rung to indicate that Jesus has risen - is so beautiful!  Then the moment we get to sing “The Gloria” again is pure bliss.  If that wasn’t enough, this gets followed by the celebration of receiving new members into our church.  Obviously, as a Catechist watching the men and women that I have helped throughout the year in their RCIA process makes Easter Vigil much more special.  It’s like a teacher watching her student’s graduate, a moment of pride and happiness. 

 The line about to be baptized.

 One adult baptism.

 Confirmation time.

This year we had fifteen adults and seven children get initiated into our church from our parish.  It’s the first year we have RCIA for children at our parish so I learned that children can also receive all three sacraments in one night.  Two of the children from our bunch were sons of a student we had in RCIA a couple years ago!  The night was full of beautiful moments.  Getting to witness the joy in my spiritual kids is just beyond wonderful!  It was even neat because our priest is still learning how to celebrate Easter Vigil and he was so nervous- he kept looking at my best friend for direction.  Afterwards the RCIA team and some family members went out to break our Lenten fast and to go over the beauty of the celebration we had just witnessed.  What a happy Easter night.           

 2017 RCIA Class

2017 RCIA Team

RCIA Wedding of The Year

On Monday, two of my current RCIA students got their wedding blessed.  They both started the program this year with much enthusiasm, but encountered some barriers along the way and that makes their union much more special.  I was talking to Monsignor Doktorcyk (my Canon Law professor this quarter) about these two because for a moment we thought they were going to drop out over a small administrative dispute.  The couple didn’t have current copies of their Sacrament certificates that they previously received in Mexico, and felt like they wouldn’t be able to acquire the documents.  Father told them that he couldn’t marry them by the church unless these copies were obtained.  They were so looking forward to getting married before Easter Vigil so that they could take First Communion during the celebration and this little hiccup almost made them dropout.  Luckily, we called the Diocese and were able to get more information and help – it appears that our Diocese has a department that helps in cases like these, administrative folk call parishes in other countries to help obtain the needed documentation.  Last Friday, the couple told us that all had worked out and they would be getting married the following Monday.  Of course, we were thrilled, but also very surprised by the urgency these two felt in getting their union blessed.  Usually, most people who are civilly wedded want to have a really big party and that makes them postpone their religious ceremony.  Thus, when this couple told us that they didn’t want all the frills, but to receive the body and blood of Jesus during communion (as soon as possible) we were rendered speechless.  It was after praying the Stations of the Cross at the beach that both came to us in each other’s arms with such joy and love in their eyes- such pure beauty that oozed joining us to their happiness.

On Monday, using the wardrobe they had prepared for their upcoming sacraments they joined in Holy Matrimony.  It was a small celebration only attended by their two daughters (one who was crying tears of joy), their witnesses, some of their RCIA classmates and a teacher.  Simple as it was, it didn’t take from its beauty.  In fact, its simplicity taught me how beautiful our desire for God can and should be.  As an RCIA instructor I try to share the little wisdom I have, but most of the time I am the one that learns the biggest lessons from my students.  Of course, we are Mexican -so we're planning a wedding celebration for them during our next class- any excuse for a party! 

The newlyweds with their loved ones. 

My Weekend in Pictures

Friday: Annual RCIA Via Crucis at the beach

One of my favorite activities during our RCIA year is the Via Crucis at the beach that we do annually.  Every year I am one of the leaders that goes to the beach ahead to setup the fourteen stations.  Each station is identified with a solar stake and a small decorated cross decorated ahead of time by our students.  As we set-up we always get onlookers who come over and ask questions- usually they think we are doing something to commemorate a loved one who has died.  Surprisingly, when we explain that it’s part of our Easter traditions they open up about their spiritual journey.  On Saturday we had a group of young adults show interest in what we were doing, when we told them it was a prayer activity they were like, "I used to go to church…" Others stop and take pictures of the stations.  Some children even sat around one of the stations and admired it for quite a while.  Usually we plan the activity to start at 7PM so that the beach will be mostly deserted and will provide us the privacy to pray.  Our prayerful journey usually takes two hours and we find it to be one of the highlights of our program.  Students are encouraged to bring their families and godparents so usually our group is large.  When we conclude the Way of the Cross we always get great testimonies from those involved- there’s just something so powerful in praying out in nature (smile).

Saturday: “Arrival” Movie Review

As a way to unwind, on Saturday night I decided to watch the new movie release “Arrival.”  While I thought the movie was about aliens and expecting the usual scary plot that follows such type of films, I was in for a surprise.  The film is about aliens, but this time aliens who want to communicate with humanity.  Thus, the film’s themes surround communication and the importance of receiving a clear, accurate message.  There’s a lot of science and linguistics nerd moments that I loved, but it also made me think about how much we need one another and a higher power.  It’s was a really great film, I think you would enjoy it.     

Sunday: Palm Sunday Service

I love Palm Sunday, it’s one of my favorite services.  There’s something about beginning outside and looking at the crowd all united carrying green palm leaves.  The environment is so cheerful, there’s just an air of specialness because the beginning of the service is so out of the ordinary.  The readings are also absolutely beautiful, they begin to turn the mood towards seriousness and eventually betrayal.  I love that we get to vocally participate in the readings even if it is to admonish Jesus, because it makes me feel like we are taking responsibility for our actions.  I get so involved in the Eucharistic celebration that it always seems like its only seconds long.  What a great way to begin Holy Week!

Lenten Reflection: Love & Suffering

Last night was a whirlwind of activity.  I had to stop by my parish before class to make some last minute arrangements for tomorrow- we are planning our annual RCIA Via Crusis at the beach.  This year we decided to do it a week ahead so that we can all participate in Good Friday parish events.  Traffic was really bad and I was running late to my first class on Canon Law, luckily I made it a few minutes before class started.  I am back in class with the deaconate group of 2019.  It seems like there’s not a whole lot of interest in canon law, so I got a lot of queries as to what made me take the course.  To be honest, though I am working on getting my Master Catechesis Certificate, I love to learn.  I have this image of heaven being like a school, where I spend eternity worshipping God by learning.  I know that might be hell for some of you- but I find so much pleasure in learning…  As I drove home after a great classroom discussion, I was thinking about how pleasing it is to me to discover new layers to God and my Catholic Church; this knowledge not only fortifies my faith, but makes my love for God stronger.  It’s like when you are falling in love with another, the more you get to know him the stronger your affections grows.

This Lent, I have been praying the Stations of the Cross.  I was meditating on some of the prayers and reflections that go with this type of contemplation and this theme of sharing in God’s suffering as he makes his way to Calvary keeps repeating.  I stopped for a moment to reflect on what I was asking God, “to share in His suffering” and I thought do I really mean this?  Do I really want to share in His passion?  When my brother got really sick towards the end of his life, when the schizophrenia took over, there were moments when I wanted to carry some of his crazy so that he wouldn’t have to do it on his own.  When my family was crying and hurting in the hospital room again I wanted to carry their hurt so that I wouldn’t have to see them in pain.  Have you ever experienced seeing a loved one hurt and wanted to alleviate their pain by taking some of it on?  I think that’s what it means to want to share in Jesus’ passion and we can’t ask to carry the cross unless we really love him.  Unless seeing him on his way to his crucifixion hurts us so much that we volunteer to help.  I think I finally understand what it means when saints write about wanting to suffer for Christ.

I started watching “Mad Men” mostly because I like to admire the fashion.  After watching a few episodes I realize that there’s this lie that has infiltrated our society, a lie that love is as superficial as pleasure.  Yet, true love is sacrifice and sharing in the hurt.  When I was growing up I never thought of my parents as my ideal of a marital couple because they were ordinary.  Now, I see how much they love each other not because they have become more romantic, but by the sacrifices they have made (and make) for one another.  Keeping a clean house, making a good meal, washing dishes, working a 9-5 - doing the ordinary toils that’s true love.  The passion of Christ show’s us that passion is suffering for the common good of others.  And at times helping carry each other’s cross.  If we are unprepared to suffer then we are unprepared to love.  This Lent, the idea of sharing in Jesus’ passion makes me uncomfortable because I am being asked if I love him enough to share in his suffering.  To be honest I am still terrified of suffering – but it’s been good to come to understand how closely intertwined love and suffering are. 

FIDM Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibit Review

I love fashion and I love movies.  When I discovered that the Fashion Institute of Los Angeles Museum was hosting its annual exhibition of motion picture costume design I knew that I had to make the drive up there.  On Saturday, with two of my friends I toured the exhibit and loved every minute of it, so this post will be a bit picture heavy.  When I was a little girl I used to watch award shows with my mom and sister.  My sister would have a sketch pad handy to draw the designs she liked to try to replicate on her own.  She’s a great seamstress.  These moments were times I truly enjoyed and as I grew up fashion has always been something that brought us together.  Today, I enjoy reading about the history of fashion, I find the details fascinating.  I love the craftsmanship that goes into making quality pieces- but much like great art now-a-days consumerism has affected the integrity of apparel.  Due to fast-fashion we are starting to lose or rather to no longer recall what good craftsmanship looks like.  People now-a-days will rather buy cheap items and constantly rotate than to invest in pieces that could last years.  These days, fabrics are made from inorganic, cheap alternatives and mass produced – which is really a bad reflection of our society.

My favorite piece.

 Just look at the craftsmanship.

I love royalty ensembles!

While touring FIDM I loved the creativity and detail the creators placed in creating these costumes.  They were not only period appropriate, but the craftsmanship is a fashion nerd’s dream.  Though, I was a bit disappointed by some of the shoes on display- at times they looked like pieces from payless and not up to my standards (what a snob)...  Before the 1930’s movie stars wore a lot of their own personal pieces in their films.  In the last room of the museum are pieces that made an appearance in film, but were privately own by actors.  These pieces were by far the most gorgeous because though they were used in the movies they were pieces that belonged to the actors everyday ensemble.  Most were from the twenties and still in great condition due to the materials and craftsmanship of the pieces.  Enough talking here are my pics.  

So much creativity!

The shoes are fantastic!

 Couldn't get over this dress, it's so beautifully made.

 These looked surreal.

 So much detail- just look at the distressed boots.

From the original Ben-Hur movie.

From the witty film, "Love and Friendship."